I recently realized I was throwing away (actually, I was deleting) an opportunity to better understand my fellow man. My brother-in-law shares a wealth of insight into the thought patterns of a typical right wing, redneck, churchgoing, backbone of America Republican, via email everyday. His audience seems to be extensive, as I have to scroll down a recipient list at least a foot long to get to the actual message. I was thinking just this morning that his hard drive must be the redneck equivalent of the Vatican Archives.
In true journalist fashion, his emails are timely and relevant to the hot topics of the day. This is the email I got this morning, right on the heels of the latest immigration debacle taking place in Philadelphia’s cheese steak district. This is why Mexicans must learn to speak English:
WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH?”
A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a group of half dozen or so officers that included personnel from most of the countries.
Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked: “Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?”
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: “Maybe it’s because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.”
Suddenly the group became very quiet…
I can only explain the understanding and awe that should be washing over you right now by sharing another example of this type of emotion evoking parable:
I don’t know if you have these car window decals where you live, but here in Texas you see them all the time. Chevy truck drivers have a decal of a little boy peeing on a Ford emblem, Ford truck drivers have a decal of a little boy peeing on a Chevy emblem. The deeper message comes through when you realize that both Chevy and Ford truck drivers have identical decals of the same little boy kneeling reverently before the cross.
No, don’t thank me. Its my duty to share these things.
Disclaimer: My brother-in-law, hereinafter known as Doyle, is a loyal husband and father, would give you his last cent if you needed it and can grill up a really good burger. I like him a lot.
